Rotunda Museum

Museum Overview

The Rotunda Museum is located next to a roundabout on one of the two main roads to the seafront in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. It was opened in 1829 and it is one of the world’s first purpose-built museums.

It houses one of the foremost collections of Jurassic geology on the Yorkshire coast. Home to over 5,000 fossils and 3,000 minerals. With a large selection of Cretaceous fossils from the Speeton clay and chalk, a wide variety of upper and lower Jurassic specimens plus specimens from the ice age including mammoth teeth and fossils from Kirkdale cave.

The museum houses a unique display of cabinets within the rotunda. Other items of interest include antler headdresses, flint tools and animal remains. Plus a specially commissioned reconstruction of what marine life was like millions of years ago.

Further Information Rotunda museum

Is there food and drink available?

There are places to purchase food and drinks nearby.

What are the main things to do?

It is one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the world with a large collection of fossils and Jurassic geology. There are toilets.

What are the ticket prices?

Adults are £3.00 and children are free. This also entitles you to visit Scarborough Art Gallery.

Is there parking?

There is parking nearby and charges apply.

When are they open?

The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday and on Bank Holiday Mondays. Please visit their website for up-to-date information.

Dog friendly?

Only assistance dogs are permitted.

Are they accessible?

The Rotunda Museum has a lift to all floors, is fully wheelchair accessible throughout and has an accessible toilet.